Thoroughly grasping and implementing the strategic policy on the “research and production of advanced, modern weapons and equipment”, the Party Committee and leadership of the Military Ship Design Institute, under the General Department of Defence Industry, have focused on directing the implementation of solutions synchronously to achieve breakthroughs in its operations.

The research, design, and manufacturing of advanced, modern weapons and equipment constitute a key task of strategic significance for developing an autonomous, self-reliant, resilient, dual-use, and modern defence industry, as well as for building a modern Military.

In the realm of military vessels, this is a particularly challenging task requiring the simultaneous mastery of master design, foundational technologies, and core technologies, alongside the integration of command and control systems, weaponry, sensors, propulsion systems, and various other specialised technologies. Furthermore, there is an increasingly urgent need to shorten research and design cycles, increase the localisation rate, and ensure the capability for equipment upgrades, improvements, and modernisation throughout the operational lifecycle. As the leading unit for the research and design of military vessels, the Military Ship Design Institute identifies the enhancement of research, design, and manufacturing capabilities as a pivotal breakthrough aimed at gradually mastering critical technologies, developing high-tech military vessel products, and achieving increasing autonomy in supplying weapons and equipment to the Military, thereby meeting the requirements for safeguarding maritime sovereignty and islands in the new era.

Leader of the General Department of Defence Industry checks products of the Institute

To achieve the breakthrough, first and foremost, the Institute focuses on building and developing its scientific and technological capabilities synchronously. It uses the development of high-quality human resources and the modernisation of technical and technological infrastructure as a foundation to enhance innovation capacity, master technologies, and undertake the research, design, and manufacture of modern, next-generation military vessels. Considering that “people are the decisive factor in innovation and technological mastery”, the Institute prioritises the detection, selection, plan, training, and use of scientific personnel across specialised fields. It develops both the contingent of experts and the pool of young talents who possess innovative mindsets, independent research capabilities, and the ability to rapidly grasp modern technologies.

To improve the levels and capabilities of its pool, the Institute emphasises personnel selection and the establishment of specialised research groups. It assigns young staffs to participate in, and lead new and challenging projects under the guidance of experienced experts. This approach not only enhances their professional expertise but also creates an environment for them to gain experience, gradually fostering a new generation of experts capable of solving complex scientific and technological challenges.

Moreover, the Institute proactively advises on the formulation and effective implementation of schemes and projects on its facility modernisation, meeting both immediate and long-term mission requirements. Based on forecasts of technological trends and the demands of key programmes and projects, it actively advises on investments in laboratories, digital platforms, specialised design software systems, and modern simulation and research equipment. Notably, it has proactively developed the Project “Invest in enhancing capabilities for the research, design, and prototyping of unmanned vehicles”, thereby establishing a modern research environment and gradually mastering technologies for the development of advanced, modern weaponry and technical equipment.

Together with developing its scientific and technological potentials, the Institute focuses on innovating its scientific research activities towards proactive and flexible direction, aligning closely with the strategic direction of the defence industry and the criteria for building a modern military. Thoroughly grasping the resolutions and plans of higher echelons as well as domestic and international military science and technology development trends, the Institute proactively identifies key research areas and lays the scientific and technological groundwork for major programmes and projects. Instead of conducting research only assigned projects, it proactively explores emerging technologies; develops technical options, design models, and preliminary product configurations, creating a scientific foundation to shorten implementation times and improve the quality and efficiency of future research and design missions.

One task briefing chaired by leader of the Institute

To enhance the quality and efficiency of research, the Institute establishes a roadmap for implementing scientific and technological tasks based on inheritance, continuity, and development. Strategic research directions are translated into Institute-level projects and tasks aligned with existing capabilities and resources, and then further scaled up into projects at the General Department and Ministry of National Defence levels. This approach not only facilitates the mastery of foundational, core, and integration technologies but also optimises investment resources, mitigates research risks, and ensures continuity and sustainability in scientific and technological development. Since 2025, it has successfully executed 12 projects and proposed 06 new ones, thereby mastering including multi-system integrated design technology, simulating and optimising design to create a foundation for the implementation of research and design programmes for military vessels and highly complex products.

Leveraging its scientific and technological capabilities, along with previously achieved results in technology research and mastery, the Institute intensifies the research, design, and development of advanced, modern generations of military vessels and technical vehicles. Priority is given to researching combat vessel models featuring advanced technical and tactical specifications. Simultaneously, it focuses on the research, design, construction, and integration of weapon, electronic, communication, control, and reconnaissance systems, as well as modern technical equipment, onto unified platforms, ensuring the synchronicity, connectivity, and upgradeability throughout the operational lifecycle. During the design process, it prioritises a systematic thinking and applies a holistic optimisation, balancing technical and tactical requirements with operational effectiveness, enhanced quality, reliability, and combat readiness of products.

Notably, the Institute recently actively proposed and participated in the making of the Project “Research and production of unmanned vehicles”. As this is a novel field utilising advanced, modern technologies without reference prototypes, it requires research and design from the ground up, while solving complex challenges regarding structure, dynamics, control, navigation, communication, automation, and system integration. To address this, the Institute adopted a cautious yet proactive approach, structuring the research process into phases aligned with existing capabilities and resources. Initially, it leveraged findings from prior projects to design and manufacture small-scale prototypes, thereby assessing its mastery of design, manufacturing, and integrating basic technical systems. Building on this foundation, it proceeded to develop actual products, conduct testing, and complete acceptance procedures, thereby shortening research time, minimising risks, and enhancing product quality. At the same time, it has mastered various modern technologies, particularly master design, system integration, and the installation of weapons and equipment, thereby establishing a solid foundation for undertaking future assignments to design next-generation warships and equipment.

Idea exchange among a research group

Amidst rapid advancements in science and technology and the modernisation trend of weaponry and equipment, military vessels must not only meet stringent technical and tactical performance requirements but also ensure capabilities for integration, connectivity, and upgradation during their operational lifecycle. For this reason, the Institute accelerates digital transformation and strengthens the linkages between research, design, manufacture and actual use to shorten product development time and gradually establish modern research and design methodologies. Accordingly, it promotes the application of digital technologies across the entire spectrum of research, design, data management, and the execution of scientific and technological tasks; builds specialised databases and digitises design records, technical standards, regulations, and research findings, thereby creating a foundation for the effective sharing and utilisation of accumulated technological knowledge. Simultaneously, emphasis is placed on utilising specialised design software, simulation technologies, analysing, designing, optimising the designs and managing product lifecycle, contributing to enhancing the precision, reducing prototyping time, and saving cost.

Besides digital transformation, the Institute focuses on expanding collaborations with research agencies, educational institutions, defence manufacturing plants, and end-user units to establish a closed-loop process, spanning from research, design, manufacturing, and testing to evaluation, refinement, and improvement of products. During the implementation of programmes and projects, it proactively coordinates with manufacturing facilities and end-users to promptly grasp practical requirements, refine design plans, and resolve emerging technical issues. Furthermore, it strengthens cooperation with military and civilian academies, schools, research institutes, and enterprises to effectively leverage human resources, technologies, and facilities. In doing so, it gradually forms a synchronised ecosystem for research, design, and manufacturing; fosters innovation, accelerates the translation of research findings into products; and enhances capabilities in the research, design, and production of advanced, modern generations of military vessels and technical equipment.

The achievements attained serve as a vital foundation for the Military Ship Design Institute to promote, and affirm its pivotal role in the research, design, and development of advanced, modern generations of military vessels and technical equipment, thereby making a practical contribution to the development of the defence industry and the modernisation of the Military in the new era.

Senior Colonel PHAM QUANG CHIEN, Director of the Institute